By KC on Saturday, June 03, 2000 - 03:44 am:

Hi, I was wondering if anybody has experience with
shoulder dislocation. I woke up this morning with
pain in my shoulder after finding myself sleeping
on it in a strange angle and while I still have use
of the joint, it is painful/sore feeling, and the
affected shoulder is much lower than the other. The
bone also seems to be protrudnig more. I was
wondering if this is fairly normal for a hypermobile
person and it will just go away, or if I need to go
to a doctor. I already have a very wide range of
motion in my shoulder but I've never been able to
tell if it is out of joint or not, I can't with most
of my joints because there's no popping or clicking,
they're just free moving, even when I can see that
they are out of joint. So any advice?
Thanks in advance,
Kris

By Odds on Saturday, June 03, 2000 - 03:44 am:

Go to the doctor !!!
Maybe your shoulder is somewhat dislocated. Or putten in a strange position due to another dislocation. I had something like you descripe before, but that was due
to a sudden disloction of another bone. My hand and arm felt like only 30% feeling in it left.
You should have it examined anyway !
Good luck !

By Greg on Saturday, June 03, 2000 - 03:44 am:

Kris,

Okay, I have a lot of experience with shoulder problems of all types. It is important to understand what it exactly going on with your shoulder. So first, go see a
doctor. I have had a serious dislocation (shoulder stuck in my chest), and have had reconstructive surgery on it. The injury was due to hypermobility. When you're
hypermobile, just about any joint can feel out of alignment at any time. What struck me about your posting is that you said that it felt weird when you woke up, and
like one shoulder was higher than the other. This type of thing has been happening to me too for a few months now. It MAY not be your actualy shoulder joint that
is out of place, it may be either your acromio-clavicular (AC)joint, or your sterno-clavicular (SC) joint. Your AC joint is on top of your actualy ball and socket
shoulder joint. This joint attaches your clavicle to the top of your shoulder. In normal people, this jointmoves very little, but I have noticed that in myself, this joint
moves quite often and gives the the illusion that my surgically-repair shoulder is subluxed, even though it is still very tight. Also, your SC joint is at the other side
of your clavicle, where it attaches to your sternum. This joint is also supposed to move very little, but on hypermobiles like me, it moves a lot and often subluxes.
Your shoulder problem is more than likely complex, with more than one possible joint being affected. The feeling of one shoulder higher than the other is more
often related to your clavicle being out of place. Seek help from a prolotherapist to see if they can help stabilize the joints before you look into anything like
surgery. Good luck and email me if you have any questions.

Greg

By Gwen on Saturday, June 03, 2000 - 03:45 am:

Just a few additions to what Greg said to you. I too have shoulder joints which have packed up on me. One was a rotator cuff injury due to hypermobility the other I
dislocated by bracing my hand against a wall as I bent over one time when my back muscles had gone into spasm. Anyway, two tricky shoulders to contend with
which means I have difficulty whichever side I sleep. I have found a buckwheat pillow has helped both shoulders and neck. It moulds and is very supportive. One of
the other problems I have is taht I am wide shouldered and consequently used to sleep with my neck on a funny angle to compensate. The buckwheat pillow seems to
prevent this. I also find that sleeping in Recovery Position, which the underneath arm out the back of me seems to put less pressure on my shoulder, as does having
my upper arm resting on a pillow to stop it rolling forward. I agree with what Greg says about all the various joints connecting ribs, clavicle etc. to the sternum.
They are supposed to be relatively immobile joints, concerned only with the mechanism of breathing but mine subluxate too. I was told this was not possible
because the ligaments are very short and only have small movements, but I live inside my body and know what I'm feeling and believe me they do subluxate! Even
after all the years of having hypermobile joints I find that I feel nauseous when these particular ones crack. As to feeling that one is higher than the other. There
could be several reasons for this. Have you checked your posture? I find that, unless I constantly correct my posture, I tend to holder the rotator cuff shoulder in a
guarded position, pulled up towards my neck. I need to consciously relax it back down. Another possibility may be that you have a spinal curvature which is making
you bend more to one side. Have you looked in the mirror to check whether your hips are level. If you're not sure, an easy way to check is to see if the hems of your
trousers sit at the same level. In theory they should, but if there is a noticeable difference you likely have one hip jhigher tahn the other due to scoliosis, which will
affect all your posture, including shoulders. One of the things I have found crucial to minimising pain is to, as far as possible, do things bilaterally so that muscles
on both sides of your body receive equal work. If you vacuum, swap the hose from side to side, vary the foot you balance on, hold your cup in your non-dominant
hand when you drink. Try using that hand for your mouse. Be aware of your body and Good Luck.

By NMN on Saturday, June 03, 2000 - 03:46 am:

Kris,
If something doesn't feel right, get it checked out before it is too late. As a kid I always thought my shoulders were more "flexible" than they should be and often felt
a "popping" sensation. When I was 17 I dislocated my right shoulder 3 times - once was a fall, next I was brushing my hair, and the third time I was stretching. I had
surgery to repair the damage. Since then I have dislocated my left shoulder 3 times and my right shoulder once. All 7 of these dislocations were so severe that even
the emergency room physicians had difficulty putting my shoulder back in place. I continually live with the subluxations and severe pain in my shoulders and my
hips. Unfortunately, Navy medicine has done nothing to figure out the problem and have refused to do any more surgery.
You are better off getting it checked out now before anything gets worse. Good Luck. NMN

By Sue C on Saturday, June 03, 2000 - 03:46 am:

I wasn't sure what my shoulders were doing for 12+ years. I knew they slid down if I were to carry 2 heavy suitcases. Thanks to an ortho doctor exam LAST WEEK,
I learned that those are actual dislocations.

So... that's one way to learn. (Another doctor in the room said that dislocating my shoulder one direction made my normally broad shoulder practically disappear. I
also dislocate "the other direction", but I'm not really sure what that means. Does anyone else know?)

From what I can tell, if it still hurts and you don't have your full ROM, the joint is still out of place. If you have full ROM and it's sore, it's probably just from being
moved in abnomal ways, but should be OK soon.

Then again, I've never been to a doctor during a dislocation, which last from 1 second to 8 hours. (I just thought I was normal.)

By PATRICK O'NEILL on Saturday, September 09, 2000 - 08:25 am:

MY WIFE SUFFERS TERRIBLY WITH HYPERMOBILITY. THOUGH SHE HAS OFTEN HAD ACHES AND PAINS, THE ONSET OF HER SYMPTOMS, INCLUDING SACRIOLITIS AND DISLOCATION OF THE SHOULDERS, HAS BECOME INCREASINGLY WORSE SINCE HER PREGNANCY FOUR YEARS AGO. DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT CAN HELP HER? WE HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING. AND I MEAN EVERYTHING!

By Gwen on Saturday, September 09, 2000 - 04:41 pm:

Patrick, several of us have found that our hypermobility had become worse since the onset of pregnancy. It seems to be one of the unwanted effects of Relaxin, Oestrogen and all the other goodies that swamp our systems at that time. In some women, the ligaments that have slackened for the birth process never regain their former elasticity and we are more prone to sprains and dislocations. As one whose shoulders dislocate I can say that the only thing I find relieves the pain is to lie on the opposite side and support the arm with a firm pillow. I find it tends to feel better if the joint is rolled backward rather than forwards, so a sling doesn't help me as it brings my arm into the wrong position. Your wife might try that, or I have heard that holding a tennis ball in the armpit will provide support also. Not sure how you'd hold it in place but might be worth experimenting with.
The rheumatologist I saw told me that the hypermobility (and by association the pain) should lessen with age, but twenty years down the track from pregnancy I can't say I've noticed much difference. If there is a hormonal relationship it may be worthwhile considering hormonal contraceptives and seeing if that makes a difference.

By PATRICK O'NEILL on Monday, September 11, 2000 - 06:05 am:

gwen, thanks. I will ask my wife to try the tennis ball.Do you know of any good clinics/doctors etc. .

By Gwen on Monday, September 11, 2000 - 01:14 pm:

Patrick, I don't know where you live. I'm in New Zealand and still trying to find one for myself. The most success I have had is with a doctor who is also involved with our local Rudolf Steiner school and is also a naturopath. He admits he doesn't know a great deal about hypermobile conditions but doesn't dismiss me as a hypochondriac and uses treatment other than conventional medicines. I have had two courses of injections, about three years apart which, each time, kept me relatively pain free for up to a year.
The products he uses are manufactured by Welleda and are "Iscador" and "Arnica & Betula". "Iscador" is primarily used as an adjunct to cancer therapy but he has also found it useful in controlling other forms of pain. This form of treatment may help your wife.
Today I can feel for her as I had a horrendous night. Both my ulnar nerves and one of my sciatic nerves got pinched while I was asleep and I couldn't get comfortable no matter what position I put myself in. It's no fun only having one functional limb and trying to turn in bed! I have an appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon next month to see if something can be done to relieve the pressure on the nerves. My GP seems to think surgery is the only option now as I've run the gamut of medications and physio. Keep your fingers crossed for me, and all you hypermobile people toes, eyes knees and any other joints you can manage :-))

By Roseann on Monday, September 11, 2000 - 11:12 pm:

Please help! Desperate parents looking for an answer. We have two sons (9&12). Our oldest son 11 months ago had repeated shoulder dislocations treated at first with therapy, then finally with surgery. He now has dislocations with the other shoulder and both knees. He has cracking of all of his joints as well. MD's have been no help and only told us that they have hypermobile joints/lax ligaments. Has anyone else experienced similar situations-what helps and what type of spcialist helped? Have you had difficulty finding a physicain who could properly diagnose you and how did you know who to go to?

By Philippa on Friday, November 03, 2000 - 03:49 pm:

I don't know where to start. My party trick as a kid was sticking my shoulders "in and out of joint" amongst others. Now I just want to know how to position myself at night time so that I can sleep, and that when I do, I am then not woken up with bizarre dreams to do with joints because I'm so out I have to rejig myself throughout the night. Is this familiar with others? I've just moved house and basically overdone it and I'm cracking and clicking all over the place. If I try and drive my left arm goes numb and I can't turn round to look over my shoulder properly 'cos my neck movement's got stuck and I've been having neck and chest pain. I know I need to get seen so I did but my new Dr.just blanked when I said I'd been diagnosed with HMS 10 years ago, and after having an ecg and bloods...all normal - asked me what he should do! I'm now in the process of trying to find a cogniscent physio myself who can help me out...and put me back! Any suggestions appreciated. I live in Berkshire.

By Mar on Saturday, November 04, 2000 - 04:01 am:

Berkshire UK? dr. Grahame.
See the HMSA-site

By Gwen on Saturday, November 04, 2000 - 07:34 pm:

How I envy you lucky people who live in cooee of Dr Grahame. Next time I make a trip home he's going to be one of the "must see" monuments.

By Mar on Sunday, November 05, 2000 - 03:42 am:

Isn't it ironic Gwen, I am not a UK resident either. Only time I ever met Dr Grahame was at a meeting. But I know he is a great doctor because of all the positive stories I have heard and the magnificent arcticles he has written, which I refer my doctors to...

By Philippa on Monday, November 06, 2000 - 03:15 pm:

Dr.Grahame, Thankyou for your message. Yes it is Berkshire U.K. I wish I'd known about you or more to the point my Dr or Rheumatoligist did when I lived in London....I have now posted a message on the HMSA site. As I said there I'm keeping my 8 fingers crossed!

By Philippa on Saturday, November 11, 2000 - 03:43 pm:

I'm now becoming a bit desperate and in pain. I'm having no luck on this site or the HMSA site.
The local physio whom I chatted to and saw last week told me I needed specialised help, but so far has also drawn a blank. I'm getting to the point where I won't be able to drive safely soon and other parts of me are now becoming affected. HELP!
So Gwen and Mar it doesn't necessarily help if you do live in the UK!! Any practical suggestions however gratefully received and will be acted upon. Thank you.

By Sheena on Sunday, November 12, 2000 - 11:12 am:

Phillipa,
I live in Berkshire too. If you want, email me directly and we can compare notes.
Sheena

By Kayla on Wednesday, November 15, 2000 - 08:58 am:

Hi all. I have been diagnosed with MDI. I don't know what it stands for, but what I do know is that my shoulders pop out of joint. At first it was my right shoulder, then my left shoulder started. Now, my hips have started as well. My hips pop out two ways, one on the outside, and the other on the inside. I have exercises to do for my shoulders, but I have been doing them since late May and I have been getting, if anything, worse. I don't know whether to stop the exercises, or go to a doctor and see what to do. Can a doctor help in any way? Should I keep doing the exercises? I am afraid that if I do, it will get even more worse, quicker. Please help!

By Rose on Sunday, January 28, 2001 - 04:55 am:

Hi

My son has been diagnosed with Ehler Danlos type 3. But that is in doubt now, we went to the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore Middelesex and they do not agree.

His shoulders are constantly dislocated and we have had a very long battle trying to get someone to help. He has hypermobile joints and lots of pain.All his joints click and crunch.

The National Orthopaedic Hospital have recommended an arthroscopy and biofeedback and then rehabilatation. But we have had so many opinions over the last year that we are not sure about this. Has anybody got any ideas?

By Lynn on Sunday, January 28, 2001 - 08:27 am:

Hi Rose, How old is your son? If possible, try to determine if he does have EDS (you may need to see a geneticist- hopefully someone more local to you will see this posting and recommend one- I'm in the US). My daughter (16 yrs; EDS III) had shoulder surgery one year ago (thermal capsular shift- they zapped her ligaments with a laser to shrink them up- similar to shrink wrapping a package!). A Dr. McFarland at Johns Hopkins U in Baltimore Md, USA, was doing a study of the effectivenenss of this type of surgery with EDS patients, but I don't know if he's completed the study yet. We heard about him from the US site-www.EDNF.org. This surgery did tighten up my daughter's shoulder, but getting it back into shape has been a long, hard process. She faithfully exercised (with PT's and on her own) and is now swimming competitively again. (Before the surgery, she couldn't pass papers to the student behind her without dislocating or subluxing- she's now qualified for the Junior Olympics- which is not at all as competitive as the Olympic program here, but still darn good for a kid who couldn't keep her arm in the socket just a year ago!). No surgery can work miracles, but with the proper care and rehab, your son may be able to obtain some "normalcy". My daughter still works out to strenghthen all her joints (the theory is that since her ligaments don't work well, her strong muscles will help support the joints and keep them in place). If your son does have EDS,search this site and other sites for info and opinions before you make your decisions. Good luck! Lynn

By Rose on Wednesday, February 07, 2001 - 10:10 am:

Dear Lynn

Thank you for your message.

My son is ten. We have seena geneticist, he diagnosed EDS 3.

Can you tell me more about your daughters condition. Does she have other joints that dislocate? Some of my sons do, but not to the same extent as his shoulders. He seems to have normal skin, not stretchy like some people with EDS. Also has anyone else in your family got this condition? Hope you do not mind all of the questions.

By Lynn on Thursday, February 08, 2001 - 07:26 am:

Hi Rose; I don't mind questions at all! Sometimes that's the best way to learn- just remember that each person is unique (with or without EDS!). My daughter does have other joints that dislocate or sublux(fingers, hips, knees, toes, whatever) but her shoulders were always a problem because of her sports. Then she was injured (a weight machine broke and fell on her shoulder, completely dislocating her arm, partially breaking her collarbone, etc). Her already loose ligaments were partially torn and stretched so much that surgery was the only option to make the shoulder usable. Her skin is involved (in fact many of her symptoms are more like the classic EDS, but she was typed as EDS 3)- she has soft, thin skin that tears and bruises easily. It's somewhat stretchy, but not as much as is normally seen with the Classic type. She has extensive stretch marks on her legs,hips, arms, etc. She also has severe allergies, asthma, GERD, chronic sinusitis- she probably sounds like a medical disaster, but she actually has a normal, teenager's life (except for taking lots of meds and vitamins and knowing lots of doctors and pt's.). Most people, even her friends, don't know that she has underlying genetic problems. They might comment on her beautiful silky, porcelin facial skin or wonder how someone so limber and athletic can also be so clumsy at times, but she just smiles or shrugs her shoulders (carefully, so as not to sublux). My husband (Randy-her Dad) was found to be the one with EDS by the geneticist (we're both somewhat loose jointed). He has minimal problems, although as we read more about EDS, he's been seeing things that should have pointed out EDS to a knowledgable doctor. E.g, when he ran track in high school, he always made a whistling sound when breathing hard- classic floppy airways. (Now he snores). His mom (who died prior to Kir's diagnosis) probably had EDS. We remember her horror stories about joints, coordination, skin, etc- especially when she was pregnant.

This brings me to your son. I do know that lots of girls (women, even) are more loose-jointed at certain times of their menstrual cycle (and especially when pregnant). Somewhere on these various sites, I've seen medical explanations, but I'm not sure if I'd remember it correctly! My daughter became much looser (and her other medical problems became much more serious) when she hit puberty. Whether boys experience this at puberty, I don't know- let's hope someone else can talk to you about this! Maybe it's just the extra female hormones!

My daughter copes with her loose joints by keeping her muscles strong. She lifts weights, uses stretchy bands (AKA Thera-bands), sqeezes a big, wet sponge, etc. At ten, your son is too young to lift weights. However, he probably could use the Thera-bands or do exercises using only his own body weight for resistance (push-ups are a classic example of using your own body weight, but I wouldn't necessarily recommend them). Do you have a good PT? If not, ask your Orthopedic surgeon to recommend one who understands EDS and kids. Or ask Sports parents- when their kids are injured, where do they go for rehab? If you and your son might be interested in physical therapy/exercising/sports, contact me again and I'll give you more info.

Surgery- I hope your son's shoulder doesn't require surgery! But if it does, the thermal capsular shrinkage did work for my daughter. Other people have had their shoulders loosen up again after the surgery. This procedure is done by laparoscopy- two little inscisions, outpatient, etc. My daughter missed 6 school days and went back to schoolon Percocet- don't let teachers test your son or even expect decent homework. The rehab is intense and time consuming. Her surgery was on 1/24/00; we finally ended PT visits in September. She continues to keep that joint and other joints strong, though. If she lets up, or overworks it, the joint could become too loose again. I'm not sure how well Kirstin would have handled the rehab when she was ten! Just being five years older yields a big jump in maturity and understanding. I hope your son doesn't need this, if he does- contact me before the surgery for hints for recovery!

I hope I've helped rather than confused you! Please contact me again if you have questions or contact me by e-mail: LAGHB@AOL.com

By Rose on Thursday, February 15, 2001 - 12:12 pm:

Lynn
Many thanks for the advice. Steve cannot do any physio or exercise as his shoulders are continually dislocated. He did have physio before he was diagnosed but it made him much worse, he could put his shoulders back in before and keep them there for a while. Now he cannot keep them in at all. We are seeing a different physio next week at a different hospital so I hope they will have better ideas. He is getting a lot of problems with his back now, the doctor has said it is due to the change in posture caused by his shoulders.

Steve does have asthma and I have noticed some stretch marks on his legs, but I thought that was just where he was putting on weight because he cannot exercise any more. What do you think. I am having doubts about his diagnosis, no one else in the family seems to have it. Perhaps he is just hypermobile.

Has your daughter seena rheumatologist? I have been trying for ages to be referred to one.

No one around here seems to know about EDS or hypermobility and so we cannot get much information.

Thanks again.

By sharon on Sunday, February 18, 2001 - 02:10 pm:

Kayla,
MDI stands for Multi-Directional Instability and roughly means that your shoulder ligaments are stuffed in all three directions of dislocation (Anterior (forwards), Posterior (Backwards) and
? (Downwards)). Hope this helps, I also have a multidirefctional instability of my shoulder and am currently in a pretty bad way after a disloction/subluxation in my sleep on Wednesday 14th Feb at 3am. I rang the emergency department and they told me to go back to sleep and see my doctor the next day (As if I could go back to sleep) also I have only partial feeling down my arm and in my hand . This still hasn't settled down today Monday 19th and I can't really wear my sling today as I had a migrane last night from the sling pulling on my neck and also from the sublux/dislocation in my shoulder I suspect. I have to call my GP today to see if she can get me an emergency appointment with yet another orthopaedic surgeon. The xrays and ultrasound were clear.
Anyway thanks just venting
Sharon :-)

By sharon on Sunday, February 18, 2001 - 02:10 pm:

Kayla,
MDI stands for Multi-Directional Instability and roughly means that your shoulder ligaments are stuffed in all three directions of dislocation (Anterior (forwards), Posterior (Backwards) and
?(Downwards)). Hope this helps, I also have a multidirefctional instability of my shoulder and am currently in a pretty bad way after a disloction/subluxation in my sleep on Wednesday 14th Feb at 3am. I rang the emergency department and they told me to go back to sleep and see my doctor the next day (As if I could go back to sleep) also I have only partial feeling down my arm and in my hand . This still hasn't settled down today Monday 19th and I can't really wear my sling today as I had a migrane last night from the sling pulling on my neck and also from the sublux/dislocation in my shoulder I suspect. I have to call my GP today to see if she can get me an emergency appointment with yet another orthopaedic surgeon. The xrays and ultrasound were clear.
Anyway thanks just venting
Sharon :-)

By Lynn on Monday, February 19, 2001 - 11:06 am:

Hello again, Rose and others with subluxing shoulders! I hope this next physio is able to help Steve. My daughter went through a period (before her surgery) where I needed to tape her shoulder into place before she could exercise. A PT or other specialist can show you how to do this (it's a little tricky and Kir's style involved two different types of tapes). The taping keeps the upper part of the arm bone in the shoulder socket. It's not as simple as just keeping the arm in a sling- but it does permit you to use the arm and maybe even exercise a little. Re exercise: the muscles around an untaped joint will benefit more from each exercise than if the joint is taped, however, if the joint keeps subluxing, you can't exercise it at all. A little exercise may be better for Steve than none, especially if the Drs. don't recommend surgery. If they do recommend surgery, e-mail me for "mothering" tips for the recovery. If the new drs. want him to try to stablilize the joint with PT, ask about taping or somehow supporting the joint so that no further damage is done. Also, only exercise in the mid-range on each muscle (don't carry thru to the fullest ranges of the joint). If he can't keep the shoulder in its socket, he might need surgery- but you may be able to buy him some time so he doesn't miss too much school.

Somtimes EDS does occurr spontaneously, but more likely somewhere you have family members with such minimal symptoms that they don't even know they have it. While it's nice to have a definitive diagnosis (EDS, Hypermobile, etc), it's not really critical now. You just need to get his shoulders working properly! The possibility of Steve having EDS will mean that the surgeons, PT, etc will have to take extra precautions in caring for him. If,in the long run, it turns out that he's only "Hypermobile", there's certainly no harm that they've taken those extra precautions. (eg, stitches need to be deeper and closer together and may need to stay in a little longer). The problems can occurr when someone is not diagnosed as possible EDS- and they're not watched or cared for more closely. Also, the geneticist has apparently ruled out Vascular EDS for Steve, so that's one less area of worry.

Kirstin has not seen a rheumatologist, mostly because I haven't found one who seems to be up on EDS. I've spent most of my efforts at educating her pediatrician, ortho and allergist! Also, I'm getting reluctant to subject Kirstin to more doctors than absolutely necessary. So far, she's been very co-operative, and I don't want to make her think she's an invalid or start worrying about her health too much. (I, of course, worry constantly- but I'm trying to present a calm, controled facade. Teenagers can be so sensitive.)

Please let us know how this next visit goes. I'm going to research some web-sites for you (so you can get more info re EDS), so look for a posting from me later today or tomorrow. Good-luck! Lynn

By Lynn on Monday, February 19, 2001 - 11:25 am:

Hi Rose, it's me again. Here are some sites to visit: www.ednf.org ; www.ceda.ca (Jill Douglas-Hand at this site is a wealth of information) ; www.hypermobility.org (read about the Brighton Score for diagnosing) ; www.ehlers-danlos.org (UK Support Groups plus info) and www.uggen.net/edstoday If you can find a "near by" support group, they may be able to help you find knowledgable doctors, etc. You may need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader to download info from the first site (that's the USA site). Good luck, Lynn

By Rose on Wednesday, February 21, 2001 - 01:25 pm:

Lynn

Thanks for the advice again!

I will try the web sites as soon as I get chance.

We are still awaiting appointments, I will let you know how we get on.

One physio did try taping his shoulders but he said it was too painful, I don't think she knew what she was doing really. Hopefully the next one will have more idea.

Thanks again, talk to you soon.

By Faye on Thursday, January 15, 2004 - 01:55 am:

Has anyone experienced dislocation or subluxation of the shoulder blade? For years I've had pain in my shoulder blade and it feels very insecure. This week my 30year old daughter was removing her T-shirt and dislocated? her shoulder blade. She experienced excrutiating pain, was unable to move and had difficulty breathing. After laying flat on her back all night, her shoulder felt more comfortable next day. Can anyone tell us what actually moves out of place? It doesn't feel as 'tho its the ball and socket joint dislocating. Thanks

By Michelle Cestle on Friday, January 16, 2004 - 08:49 pm:

Faye,
I wish I knew the answer, because I have a similar problem with my shoulder blades. I have pain throughout my upper back, and it seems as if my shoulder blades just float all over the place.

The only thing I've found that helps is exercise. I do a combination of exercises, some given to me by a therapist and some I've found online. The therapist has me doing supermans, reverse flyes, rows, and another that I don't know the name for. All of those are for the upper and middle back. My hand therapist has me doing shoulder adductions, shoulder abductions, lateral raises, and front raises. The exercises I found online are called scapular setting exercises. They are specifically for learning how to position and control the shoulder blades. You can see the ones I do at http://www.theupperlimb.com/gost.main.html - click on Scapular stabiliser exercises (scroll down.)

The exercises have really helped me - the ones for the upper back and shoulder blades seem to have helped the most. They've also helped improve my posture, as my shoulders had taken to rounding forward. I still have alot of problems with my shoulders and my upper back, but it is getting better. I can sleep on my side without days of pain following now, and get through each day better to. If you want to know more about my exercise routine, I'm happy to share, but you'd better off to see a physical therapist if possible.

Michelle
hypermobility.blogspot.com